5. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I dedicated you,a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
6. “Ah, Lord God!” I said,“I do not know how to speak. I am too young!”
7. But the Lord answered me,Do not say, “I am too young.”To whomever I send you, you shall go;whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8. Do not be afraid of them,for I am with you to deliver you—oracle of the Lord.
9. Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying to me,See, I place my words in your mouth!
10. Today I appoint youover nations and over kingdoms,To uproot and to tear down,to destroy and to demolish,to build and to plant.
11. The word of the Lord came to me: What do you see, Jeremiah? “I see a branch of the almond tree,” I replied.
12. Then the Lord said to me: You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to carry it out.
13. A second time the word of the Lord came to me: What do you see? I replied, “I see a boiling kettle whose mouth is tipped away from the north.”